Former Dean of Freshmen dies at 82

For 40 years, Fr. Henry J. Murphy was one of the first faces that welcomed incoming students to the Fairfield campus. As an English professor, theology professor and later Dean of Freshman, Murphy was an active member of the campus from 1959-2000.

On June 21, Murphy passed away in Weston, Mass. at the age of 82. He had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, which forced him to move to the Jesuit Health Center in Weston.

“Even while there, he was well respected for his kind and gentle demeanor, although his powers of recognition were greatly diminished,” said Father Laurence O’Neil, chaplain of the athletic department and alumni association, who worked with Murphy.

Murphy not only worked as dean of freshmen for many years, but also spent his 40 years at Fairfield living with the students in the dorms, as the resident Jesuit in Jogues. He befriended many students and was later asked to officiate at their weddings and baptize their children. Today, a road on campus next to Xavier Hall is named after him.

“He will long be remembered for his kindness and genial disposition,” said O’Neil. “He frequently said mass for the students in the residence halls, in the Loyola and Egan chapels, as well as in the local parishes.”

In 1988, Murphy won The Distinguished Faculty/Administrative Service Award and the press release read: “Father Murphy offers an open door. With compassion, humor, and understanding, his winning presence has become an irresistible center of freshman life at Fairfield. It is his natural affection, trust and love of learning that sets each Fairfield student on his way.”

He became dean of freshman in 1971, after spending time as the assistant dean and director of admissions from 1961-1964 and then dean of admissions until 1971.

Prior to that, Murphy was a professor of English and Classics. Even as a dean, he remained in the classroom, teaching one religion course each year in The School of Continuing Education.

Murphy graduated from Cathedral High School in Springfield, Mass. and spent one year at Holy Cross College. He graduated from Boston College in 1945 and entered the Society of Jesus. He previously taught at Holy Cross, while continuing his own education. Along with a B.A. and M.A. in philosophy from Boston College, Murphy studied classics at Fordham and theology at Weston College. He was ordained a priest in 1957. Murphy would also earn a doctorate in sacred theology from Catholic University in 1972.

Murphy made a lasting impression on his students.

“Father Henry Murphy and I arrived on the Fairfield campus in 1959,” said C. Donald Cook ’62, on the guest book of Murphy’s obitiuary. “I had a number of challenges adjusting to college, but his confidence in me, added to his wonderful, engaging personality, gave me the encouragement and support needed to thrive in college.”